Queens County Tree Trimming Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes, for all city tree work
- Unauthorized Removal Fine
- Up to $15,000
- Imprisonment
- Up to 1 year
- Pruning Without Permit
- Up to $1,000 fine, 90 days jail
- Replacement Standard
- NYC Tree Valuation Protocol
- Code Reference
- Admin. Code Section 18-129; Title 56
The Short Version
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has jurisdiction over all street and park trees in Queens. Any work on a city tree — including pruning, removal, and even hanging decorations — requires a permit. Unauthorized tree removal is punishable by fines up to $15,000 and up to one year of imprisonment. The city uses the NYC Tree Valuation Protocol to assess replacement costs. Trees on private property may be removed without a city permit, but dead or diseased trees that pose a public hazard must be addressed upon notice.
Full Breakdown
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has jurisdiction over all trees growing in the public right-of-way in Queens, including street trees, park trees, and trees on city-owned land. This jurisdiction extends across the front yard or lawn up to the building line — not just to the curb. Any work on a city tree requires a permit, including pruning, fertilizing, spraying, planting, installing tree guards, installing decorations, and removing or relocating trees.
The permit application process requires detailed property information, property surveys, and marked photos showing exactly where work will be performed. The Department inspects the site within approximately 20 business days. Tree removal is always a last resort — Parks does not grant permission to remove healthy trees, even if roots are growing into sewer lines.
When removal is approved, the applicant must pay a fee calculated using the NYC Tree Valuation Protocol (codified by Local Law 3 of 2010). The number of replacement trees is determined by the value of the removed tree. Replacement trees must be planted within 60 days of project completion, or in the next spring or fall season. Under Local Law 141 of 2021, the number of replacement trees in R1, R2, and R3 zoning districts is capped at two times the original number. Replacements must be planted within the same community district when feasible.
Trees on private property may generally be removed without a city permit. However, if the Parks Department finds a diseased, dead, or hazardous tree on private property, they will notify the owner and set a deadline for correction. Failure to comply authorizes the city to enter the property, correct the condition, and charge the costs to the property owner via a lien.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Performing any work on a city tree without a permit is a violation of NYC Administrative Code Section 18-129 and Title 56 Section 1-04(b)(1). Most violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or 90 days imprisonment. Removing a tree without a permit or damaging a tree is a more serious offense punishable by fines up to $15,000 and/or up to one year of imprisonment. If a tree is removed without authorization, it is presumed to have been in perfect condition, and the responsible party must pay full restitution under the Tree Valuation Protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim the city tree in front of my Queens home?
Can I remove a tree on my own private property in Queens?
What happens if someone illegally removes a city tree?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Queens County
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